Minor Women Characters in ‘Snow Falling on

Cedars’

Etta Heine, Helen Chambers

Etta and Helen

Women who survive capably without their spouses. Etta Heine is able to live independently, as is Helen

Chambers. Both women have lost their husbands but this does not stop them from continuing to look after themselves:e.g. Etta: "Carl had . . . built a big frame house just west of

Amity Harbor, including an apartment for his mother. . . . But — out of pride, word had it — Etta would not move in with him."

E.g. Helen: “I’m not freezing,” his mother said, pulling the scarf from her head. “In fact, it’s a little too hot just now. I just got done shovelling and bringing stove wood around.” p. 298

What are their values/morals?

Etta Helen

“For twenty-five years she had worked in all weather beside her husband, Carl Senior.” p. 99

“It also provided Etta with enough money to get by as she was mindful of her pennies...” p. 100

“Yes, she remembered them well. How was it she was supposed to forget such people?” p.102

“We’re not such paupers to sell to the Japs are we?” p. 104

“It’s a shame,” said his mother. “I have to think it’s a travesty. That they arrested him because he’s Japanese.” p.301

“Everybody knows what God is...You feel what God is don’t you?” p.300

“If you are going to remember things like that...then you better be remembering other things too, just to keep yourself fair.” p.303

“He didn’t let self-pity overwhelm him – he just kept on with things.” p.306

What have they lost?

Etta Helen

“Carl’s heart failed him one clear October night in 1944...” p.100

WHAT ELSE HAS ETTA LOST?

Find quotes to support your ideas.

“Ishmael’s father had died in Seattle...” p.309

“I’ve tried to understand what it’s been like for you...I’ve tried to make sense of it all, believe me I have. ” p. 305

“He had watched her, after all mourn her husband’s death...you learned to live with it.” p. 304

How do they endure?

Etta Helen

How does Etta endure?

Find quotes to support your ideas.

“His mother, at fifty-six, was the sort of country widow who lived alone quite capably...” p. 299

“Helen Chambers was homely and dignified...” p.299

“Her husbands death had inspired in her a greater attentiveness for her books ad flowers and a greater need for people...” p.300

“Nobody knows Ishmael. What do you believe?” p.300

“Her mother had gone cold when Arthur had died...but this had not stopped her from taking pleasure in life...” p. 304